A new collectable coin issued by the Royal Canadian Mint features a stunning new design: a scene that captures the beauty of the northern lights.
Previously, the Mint issued a shadowbox coin featuring Canadian woodland creatures. This time, designers looked to the sky for inspiration.
The Magic of the Northern Lights coin is a colourful depiction of the aurora borealis. This natural wonder illuminates the skies of Northern Canada and is “a hallmark of Canada’s great outdoors.”
“This 99.99 per cent pure silver coin presents a breathtaking view of the northern lights, a luminous phenomenon that never fails to inspire awe,” reads the Mint’s website.
The Magic of the Northern Lights coin has a face value of $30 and currently retails for $259.95.
The design by Canadian artist Alexandra Lefort offers a unique perspective and simulates the experience of standing outdoors among towering trees and gazing up at the night sky. The coin, which measures 50 mm in diameter, offers a “360-degree perspective” of the scene, showcasing a cloudless sky framed by treetops.
The coin is painted in vivid green, pink, and purple hues and uses backlight technology. The scene grows even brighter when viewed under a black light. A backlight flashlight is included with the coin.
The engravings surrounding this colourful display depict a nocturnal Canadian landscape with a great grey owl in flight. The obverse features the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III by Canadian artist Steven Rosati.
The coin is presented in a black clamshell with a black beauty box and includes a serialized certificate. There will be 4,500 of these coins available, and they can be purchased in person at select locations or on the Mint’s website. Shipping will start on April 9.
Other unique coins on the Mint’s website include a platinum maple leaf coin for $3,199.95 and a jewel-encrusted $200 coin that retails for a whopping $10,499.95.
